Internet Security Software
Putting It All Together

Internet Security Software requires a multilayered approach for best protection. You need one antivirus, two anti spy ware, and one incoming & outgoing firewall protection program at a minimum for solid internet security. Until recently, you had to purchase each program separately. Now there are combination packages bundling these services together into internet security suites.

• If you are purchasing a new computer or need to renew your internet security software, we recommend you purchase a single Combination Package which includes anti virus, anti spyware and incoming & outgoing firewall (See our Combination List below), PLUS one more anti spyware package. (See our Anti Spyware List Below). Combination packages are simpler and they are more likely to work together more seamlessly.
OR
• We have listed top rated favorites as single programs to mix and match, if you want to go that route. Using the single applications instead of all in one suites can be good too, because you can choose the "specialist" for each type of software and individulize according to your preferences and needs.

Either way has its merits. Here are our suggestions:

Antivirus Software

All antivirus software programs use large amounts of resources and slow your system down. All can interfere with software installation and some functions of other programs. Sometimes you need patience in working it out, but it is worth it!

There are free antivirus software programs, but they require you to manually update the virus definition files and remember to run the software. Also, some programs allow you to update the files only once a day instead of real time at the moment the virus proliferates over the web. We do not recommend free antivirus software for these reasons. Internet security software is not useful unless you are updating it regularly and running it in the background at all times.

1. Norton Antivirus is one of the most popular, best rated, easiest to install and easiest to configure antivirus software packages on the market today. They often are one of the very first to block each new virus threat as it appears. Sometimes this program is the most "aggressive" in terms of protecting you from programs on your system! Norton AntiVirus 2007 is the antivirus and antispyware program as a "stand alone" without the other features.

   Download the newest version of Norton antivirus protection.

   

2. NOD 32 offers highly rated antivirus and anti spyware. Eset chooses to not add other software to their package claiming faster running speed. As they say, "NOD32 conserves resources in memory and on disk;"
   ESET’s NOD32 Antivirus System STOPS Viruses, Worms, Trojans, SpyWare, AdWare, Phishing and other Malware. It is available in all Windows platforms including Vista 32 and 64 bit.

3. BitDefender is consistently rated one of the best overall. Top Ten Reviews says, "This software is exceptionally easy to use and runs quietly in the background without taxing your RAM and bogging down your applications." BitDefender runs in both Vista 32 and 64 bit will be ready in Sept 2007. Bit Defender boasts "B-HAVE (Behavioral Heuristic Analyzer in Virtual Environments) emulates a virtual computer-inside-a-computer where pieces of software are run in order to check for potential malware behavior." Check the BitDefender programs out.

Anti Spyware Software

We recommend that you have two spyware programs in addition to your antivirus program, but if your antivirus program has a spyware program, that may count as one of them. One should be set as the default and running in the background and the second one should be run “occasionally” to pick up the spyware that the first program missed.

We use internet security software programs that are “spyware specialists” whose main energy is focused on spyware problems. Some have free spyware software, which are effective, but don’t have all the extra features such as scheduled scans and automatic updates. We’ve used a number of different programs on our computers over time. We have settled on Webroot and Lavasoft as the two programs we use the most. The reasons “why” these two are not easy to articulate, but generally they are rated well, cover the most spyware definitions, and we’ve had the least trouble with them interfering with other programs! The programs below are all good choices. You would do well with any of them.

1. Webroot (Spy Sweeper) is likely the most popular adware software on the market. With SpySweeper you detect and safely remove spyware and adware from your PC and block unwanted programs before they can infect your computer. We've found it to be easy to use, and it does a great job! Top Ten Reviews says, "This anti–spyware program is equipped to beat off malicious, information seeking applications to keep your data private and safe." Spy Sweeper works with Vista with an upgrade from Webroot's website. Click Here

2. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware is the original spyware company, and if I use it "last" after the others do their work, Lavasoft usually finds a few more spyware or adware programs lurking on my computer.
   Ad-Aware personal is freely offered for personal, non-business use. But, a basic 'scan and fix' for spyware and malware may be enough for many home computer users, but the savvy home user and small business owner wants and needs something more... real-time scanning. We agree! Here is the most popular version Ad-Aware SE Plus Edition and look at their website for other versions.

3. Spyware Doctor (PCTools Software) is another of the highest rated anti spyware programs, winning excellence awards in 2005, 2006 and now 2007. It is bundled as a part of Google Pack as their anti spyware. Purchase PCTools Software Now! Click Here

4. Trend Micro Anti-Spyware according to Top Ten Reviews, " is a great option for finding and removing spyware or adware components as well as erasing your PC activity tracks."

   

Firewall Software-

You have several options for firewalls:

• Start by setting up Microsoft Firewall in XP(incoming only) or Vista (incoming and outgoing).
• You have incoming hardware firewall protection as a default for your DSL/Cable routers.
• You also need OUTGOING protection as well! The big reason is that you can be infected with adware that sends requests for info that cause annoying popups. An outgoing firewall stops the adware from functioning.

1. One of the first and biggest firewall companies is Zone Alarm. The stand alone firewall is free. Zone Alarm has added virus and spyware features as well. See the combo packages below.

2. LavaSoft packages a firewall with their anti virus software, Personal Firewall.

Combo or All in One Internet Security Software

New solutions rapidly becoming more popular are “Combination" or "All in One" Software Packages that bundle firewalls with antivirus and anti spyware software, plus other anti-phishing, identity protection and other features. In the future, Internet Security Software, may be a simple as using only one program. This is surely inviting, BUT, there is always a "but". At this time each internet security software program has it's strengths, the reason it was developed and for which it is highly rated. There is none yet that is a clear leader. And, the more "all inclusive" this internet security software program is, the larger it is, and it can slow your computer or be quite invasive. Here are some of the best rated programs at this time:

Norton 360 All-In-One Internet Security Click Here

Norton 360 offers:
Antivirus
Antispyware
Antiphishing
Online identity protection
Web site authentication
Two Way Firewall
2GB secure online storage
PC security defends you against a broad range of threats
Transaction security safeguards you against online identitytheft
Automatic backup and restore protects your important files from loss
PC tuneup keeps your PC running at peak performance
Embedded support components diagnose problems and help you quickly resolve common issues
Includes free support via email and live chat
Live Update™ Notice alerts you to new features, product updates and threat advisories as available throughout the renewable service period
On-going Protection keeps your computer protected from the latest Internet risks by automatically renewing your subscription at the regular subscription price (plus applicable tax), so you don't have to.
Parental Controls
Compatible with Windows® XP, Windows Vista™

Threat Protection:
Viruses
Spyware
Adware
Worms
Hackers
Rootkits
Trojan Horse Programs
Identity Theft
File/Information Theft
Phishing Fraud
Wi-Fi Wireless Protection
Spam/Pop-ups
Personal Firewall
Vulnerability Assessment
Email Scanning
URL Filtering
Outbreak Warning System
Compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista

Network and Program Firewall. Delivers proactive firewall protection with multiple layers of security that stop inbound, outbound, and program attacks while remaining completely invisible to hackers.

Operating System Firewall (OSFirewall™) . Protects your Windows operating system from attacks all the way down to its core.

Integrated Anti-Spyware and Antivirus. Updates, scans and removes spyware, viruses, worms and other malware from your computer in one integrated process.

SmartDefense™ Service. Provides your PC with real-time security updates.

Identity Theft Protection. Secures your private information on your PC, on the Internet, and in the physical world. Free services help you discover and recover from identity theft.

Email Security. Anti-Spam and Anti-Phishing. IM Protection and Parental Control. Automatic Wireless Security. Click Here for Zone Alarm Internet Security Software

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